Magic Mondays: Captain EO

I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen the latest incarnation of Captain EO. During it’s first run I must have seen it a dozen times. Dancing aliens, crazy outer space drama, and an amazing soundtrack; the pre-teen version of myself was enthralled. I believe that part of my reluctance to go back as an adult. I want to hold onto that perfect memory. I have made a firm resolution that on  our next trip, my children will get to experience the singing, dancing aliens that I loved in my youth.

From what I have gathered the show remains unchanged from the original with the notable exception of the laser show that accompanied it. However the special effects that were installed in the theater for Honey, I Shrunk the Audience are now added to Captain EO. The rumbling seats are now the spaceship touching down and the misters are now used to bring Hooter’s sneeze to life.

For those that are unfamiliar with the show, it stars Michael Jackson as Captain EO. Captain EO and his crew of aliens are on a mission to deliver a gift to The Supreme Leader (played by Anjelica Houston). Captain EO and his crew are captured and sentenced to fates worse than death. Of course music saves the day! The crew and Captain EO are released and music and dancing are the order of the day. And the vast desolate wastelands are transformed to lush landscapes and the evil Supreme Leader becomes a beautiful and benevolent woman.

Captain EO was originally shown at four Disney parks – Epcot, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Park in Paris. It eventually left all four parks only to return in 2010. Rumors (and they are only rumors!) are swirling that Captain EO will soon be closing at Disneyland Park in Paris. When Captain EO reopened we were always told it would be for a limited time. I only hope that I didn’t miss my window of opportunity to see Captain EO, Fuzzball, and Hooter once again.

If you find yourself at one of the parks that is showing Captain EO – head inside for the show and a trip down memory lane. I know I am looking forward to it. I might even get that t-shirt I always asked for!